On December 4, 2025, the delegation from the Mekong Institute – Can Tho University visited and worked with the leadership of the Faculty of Agriculture & Natural Resources, An Giang University. The meeting took place in an open and collaborative atmosphere, aiming to strengthen academic cooperation, training, research, and human resource development between the two institutions.
Participants included:
🔹Mekong Institute – Can Tho University:
- Assoc. Prof. Dr. Van Pham Dang Tri – Director;
- Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Binh – Director of the Sustainable Development Management Program;
- Dr. Nguyen Thanh Tam – Director of the Production Ecosystem Program;
- MSc. Nguyen Tan Loi – Researcher.
🔹Faculty of Agriculture & Natural Resources – An Giang University:
- Dr. Pham Huynh Thanh Van – Vice Dean, Head of the Department of Rural Development and Sustainable Agriculture;
- Dr. Pham Van Quang; MSc. Pham Duy Tien; MSc. Tran Van Hieu;
- MSc. Huynh Ngoc Duc; MSc. Duong Huyen Trang – Lecturers.
As part of the program, the Mekong Institute introduced the IMRD International Master Program (International Master of Science in Rural Development) – a two-year (120 ECTS), multidisciplinary training program coordinated by Ghent University (Belgium) within a network of six European universities. The IMRD program offers a prestigious international study opportunity that equips learners with comprehensive analytical skills to address rural development issues in a global context. In addition, the Institute presented the Master’s and Doctoral Programs in Rural Development and the Master’s Program in Public Policy offered by Can Tho University, which are suitable for students wishing to pursue graduate studies domestically.
During the discussion session, the two sides agreed on several important directions for cooperation in training and scientific research:
Short-term cooperation:
Both parties committed to jointly developing and publishing scientific works; enhancing academic exchanges through teaching activities, seminars, and expert lectures delivered by faculty from both sides. The two institutions also agreed to support capacity-building for young staff and students through training courses and short-term development programs. The Mekong Institute will additionally assist in organizing English proficiency courses (entry and exit) to improve the quality of recruitment and training for graduate programs at Can Tho University.
Long-term cooperation:
The two institutions agreed to explore mechanisms for jointly developing and offering the Rural Development program at both levels: undergraduate training at An Giang University and graduate training at Can Tho University. They will also consider implementing a Master’s program in Rural Development at An Giang University, and developing online and distance-learning courses coordinated by An Giang University to meet the growing demand for digital and flexible learning formats in higher education.